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Replacing a clogged trap, brick walkway patterns, and covering a cracked ceiling with drywall
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Episode #301

Original Air Date: Week of October 4, 2004

Our first House call of the season takes us to Beverly, Massachusetts, where landscaping contractor Roger Cook shows new homeowners Todd and Chrissy Fratzel the proper way to edge a lawn and flower bed. Back in the loft, Tom gives some lessons on choosing drill bits. Then the guys ask "What is it?" Finally, Kevin visits Captain Hugh Duffy at the Boston Fire Department Training Center for some lessons on choosing the right type of fire extinguisher.

Edging a LawnRoger explained why plastic edging was a bad choice for the garden bed and demonstrated a better way to edge using a garden hose as a guide and a "half-moon" edger to sculpt the new edge. Roger then spread a layer of mulch in the garden bed and moved some perennials from part of the old bed into the new to make it look better.

Where to Find ItThe half-moon edger can be found at your local garden or home center.

Selecting Drill BitsTom showed an array of drill bits and explained the different uses for each one. He showed:

What Is It?Tom, Roger, Richard, and Kevin examined an unusual item and tried to guess how it's used.

Where to Find ItKevin shows a wood-scanning metal detector that detects nails, screws, and bolts that might be hidden in a piece of lumber.It is sold by:Wizard Distribution888-346-3826

Fighting FireKevin visited Captain Hugh Duffy at the Boston Fire Department Training Center, where he learned about different types of fire extinguishers and what to look for when purchasing one. Captain Duffy showed the A-B-C ratings on fire extinguishers, which determine their effectiveness on different types of fires, and explained the acronym PASS for using an extinguisher (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).

Where to Find ItFire extinguishers can be purchased at your local home center.